Yes, the out of pocket expenses are excessive for a delivery but there might be more than one solution. In Europe there are lower C-section rates, more Midwives giving birth and lower mortality and morbidity rates than the US. An employer with 10,000 members will spend an extra $10 PMPM with a C-section rate of 32% vs 20% (the target that lowers M&M). Perhaps paying more for Midwifery with lower OOP and paying less for OB/GYN delivering a low risk pregnancy with higher copayments. Pregnancy is not a disease - that’s another solution. Let’s promote better care, more valued providers, at lower cost! You can read more about this issue in the blog ‘C-sections - a Risky Business’ at valuebasedpaymentstrategies.com.
Thanks Jeff for pointing out that lowering Cesarean Section rates to recommended levels could more than fund eliminating out-of-pocket cost sharing for maternity services.
Yes, the out of pocket expenses are excessive for a delivery but there might be more than one solution. In Europe there are lower C-section rates, more Midwives giving birth and lower mortality and morbidity rates than the US. An employer with 10,000 members will spend an extra $10 PMPM with a C-section rate of 32% vs 20% (the target that lowers M&M). Perhaps paying more for Midwifery with lower OOP and paying less for OB/GYN delivering a low risk pregnancy with higher copayments. Pregnancy is not a disease - that’s another solution. Let’s promote better care, more valued providers, at lower cost! You can read more about this issue in the blog ‘C-sections - a Risky Business’ at valuebasedpaymentstrategies.com.
Thanks Jeff for pointing out that lowering Cesarean Section rates to recommended levels could more than fund eliminating out-of-pocket cost sharing for maternity services.